When A Washing Machine Stinks: Eliminate Washing Machine Odors

By: Mrs. Mathis

Image by Viewoftheworld If you are wondering how to fix a smelly washing machine, it is probably because your washing machine stinks. Whether it smells like burning rubber, mold or mildew, you can eliminate washing machine odors with a few simple steps. Even if your machine just smells musty, you still want to tackle washing machine odor removal before it gets worse. So read on to find out how to get back that new washing machine smell that people are always talking about.

How To Fix A Smelly Washing Machine

First, if you smell burning rubber, make sure that your washing machine is operating correctly before worrying that your washing machine stinks. While a house fire may eliminate washing machine odors, I do not believe it is worth it. A washing machine smell caused by a burning part should take priority over any other concerns you have about washing machine odor removal.

To eliminate washing machine odors, your have to first remove the mold and mildew that makes a washing machine stink. To do this, wipe all the seals and outer edges of the machine with a mixture of equal parts ammonia and water. Then, to get rid of washing machine smell once and for all, run a load of old towels through the laundry with hot water and a cup of ammonia. When the load has run, run another laundry cycle with hot water but no detergent. This is to thoroughly eliminate washing machine odors, including any residual smell of the ammonia. Finally, complete your washing machine odor removal by opening the machine and wiping all the seals with a wet towel to remove any remaining ammonia.

Now that you know how to fix a smelly washing machine, remember that you must never, ever, use bleach or any detergent containing bleach at the same time as ammonia. If you do, you could poison yourself. Then thinking your washing machine stinks would be the least of your problems.

My friend was always washing her families clothes in cold water. I thought I would give it a try to save on my electric bill…….wasn’t long when my washing machine started to smell bad….actually like her machine…..I went back to washing most everything in warm water and the smell disappeared! Never had that smell again. It is a simple fix….can’t hurt to give it a try.